Gloucester captain Gareth Delve has returned to the Wales squad after a two-year absence from international duty.
Delve has primarily been asked to provide cover for the No.8 position if skipper Ryan Jones is not passed fit for the RBS 6 Nations showdown with Ireland but both players may start with Wales still operating without the disciplined Andy Powell.
Speculation was mounting that Delve was poised to sign for new Super 15 franchise Melbourne Rebels after being left out in the cold by the Welsh management.
His last appearance came back in South Africa in 2008 while he declined to attend last year’s summer tour of North America to concentrate on regaining full fitness after a succession of injuries.
And despite being delighted at returning to the interntional set-up, the 27-year-old admits he feared he would pay the price by snubbing Wales’ call.
He said: “It was a huge decision not to tour but I think it proved to be the right one.
“I decided that the best thing was to get in my first full pre-season for a few years.
“My main motivation through all the rehab has been to get to a level where I’m playing better than I was before.
“I certainly feel capable of coming in and doing a job.”
